The international armed conflict in Ukraine has caused a major humanitarian crisis, displacing millions of people within Ukraine and forcing millions more to flee to countries across Europe and beyond. Experiencing loss, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, exposure to violence, the disruption of family and community ties and the hardships of internal and cross-border displacement can have serious and lasting consequences for people’s mental health.
From the outset of the conflict, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and National Red Cross Societies across Europe have been at the forefront of providing crucial humanitarian assistance, including mental health and psychosocial support, to people affected by the conflict. In June 2022, with the support of the EU4Health programme, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched the project Provision of quality and timely psychological first aid to people affected by the Ukraine crisis in impacted countries. This historic partnership between the European Commission’s and the IFRC, implemented on the ground by 28 National Societies with the support of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub, stands as one of the largest responses to mental health challenges ever implemented by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
This publication aims to provide an overview of the project’s efforts in delivering PFA and MHPSS services to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. It outlines the project’s key approaches and achievements and provides recommendations for future initiatives. By presenting a detailed account of the methodologies employed and examples of activities carried out, it seeks to inform and inspire policy-makers, practitioners and stakeholders. It illustrates how the project evolved over time – continuously adapting and refining its methods – to deliver effective, impactful and sustainable support that has significantly improved the mental health and wellbeing of people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
The project is funded by EU4Health.
